Alright guys, Im still trying to figure my way around the different bourbons and so far I have worked with Buffalo Trace, Makers Mark, Makers 46, Woodford, and ive dabbled with Knob Creek occasionally. So yesterday I was going through the ABC store (ding-ding-ding i live in NC) and i took some few notes on bottles and wanted to see how you guys would rate these or what advice you could give.

So maybe give a little info about any of them that you know, and if you want to play along rate them in YOUR opinion from best to worst (1-9, #1 being the best and #9 being the worst)

Ok here goes:

Henry McKenna 10 y.o. 100 proof

Larceny, Very Small Batch, (Old Fizgerald?) 92 proof

Basil Hayden's 8 y.o. 80 proof

Wild Turkey Rare Breed 108.2 proof

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 10 y.o. 86.6 proof

Elijah Craig 12 y.o. 94 proof

Bookers True Barrel 7 yr 7 month 128.6 proof

Blantons 93 proof

Jefferson Very Small Batch 82.3 proof

There were also a few others that i didnt mention, but i did see some 4 roses, OGD, Ancient Age, then there were variations like a special Knob Creek and some other things I cant remember off the top of my head

Oh and thanks for responding by the way, glad you are posting in my threads. I know we kinda got off to a rough start in my other one, but I appreciate your feedback and knowledge. In fact I was glancing through the Smoke Forum and it seems you also have a deep appreciation for cigars as well. I may be bugging you more than I originally anticipated after reading through those, it seems you would be a good person to seek advice from

......and thanks for the explanation on the acronym, that one had me stumped.

Any input on that list? Im just curious to see how people rank whats most readily available to me. In fact the consensus that i draw from you guys' input will largely determine how i go about my next few purchases and what i try coming up. Just finished my first bottle of BT per someone suggestion and I was pleasantly surprised. In fact I usually stick to Makers and enjoyed the BT as much if not slightly more

......and thanks for the explanation on the acronym, that one had me stumped.

Any input on that list? Im just curious to see how people rank whats most readily available to me. In fact the consensus that i draw from you guys' input will largely determine how i go about my next few purchases and what i try coming up. Just finished my first bottle of BT per someone suggestion and I was pleasantly surprised. In fact I usually stick to Makers and enjoyed the BT as much if not slightly more

If I were you, I'd try to find those on your list at a bar or resturant and have a pour to see what you like before buying any of them. Personally, I'd recommend the Blanton's and EC12 and leave the rest at the store, but that's just me. You also mentioned Four Roses and Ancient Age. IMO any Four Roses and Ancient Ancient Age 10yr are keepers.

GaryV wrote:If I were you, I'd try to find those on your list at a bar or resturant and have a pour to see what you like before buying any of them. Personally, I'd recommend the Blanton's and EC12 and leave the rest at the store, but that's just me. You also mentioned Four Roses and Ancient Age. IMO any Four Roses and Ancient Ancient Age 10yr are keepers.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

I am disgusted at what ALL of my local bars carry as far as bourbon. Not a single one has anything more than Jack Daniels and if they do, its only Makers Mark around here. In fact ive been trying to either locate the local bourbon social circle, or start one of my own so people of like mind can gather and drink and discuss bourbon. Its much easier if 5 guys buy a bottle and spend the evening sampling one or 2 than it is to just buy everything yourself and possibly waste a good bit on the ones you personally didnt enjoy.

As far as my list, you know I realize everybody has different taste, but i feel like you guys would absolutely know which ones are garbage and not worth wasting my time on at all and thats kind of what I am looking for. So next up I think will be a bottle of Elijah Craig, although i do like the look of the Blantons bottle, so i may spring for that one. I think ill just try the top 5 you guys suggest for starters and works my way around that.

Does anyone know of any reputable websites who sell current bottles of some of the rare items. I tried Binny's per a link in another thread and that place seemed pretty good to get what you want other than the super rares.

After you play out the advice of knowledgeable bourbon sippers ( I am a big, big, fan of Bourbon Joe - as a human being and as a bourbon sipper, but my list would be different), the thing you are after (my opinion) is what rings YOUR bell.......... what does your palate favor............. or, if you might be a lucky follow, what your mood tells you to sip at that moment. There are first rate bourbons from the 'cheap' list, from the 'expensive' list, from the 'wheat' list, from the 'rye' list, and from the 'unique' list.

Truly, as it works out (my opinion), none are 'better' than the others......... but they are different....... all the better from where I sit!

Do not go gentle into that good night,Old age should burn and rage at close of day;Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas

I've polished off fifths of Old Crow Reserve, Evan Williams Black, Jim Beam Black, Wild Turkey 101, Elijah Craig 12 year, Old Overholt, Rittenhouse 100 and Four Roses Single Barrel. I didn't waste a nickel or a minute on any of 'em - they've all been good enough to finish and have added to my understanding of bourbon and rye. Buffalo Trace and Bulleit Rye on deck.